By Adrian Schirr,
Special to The Leader
The sun is (mostly) shining and days are growing longer. It’s almost time for that sweet, Michigan summer!

Outside, the blankets of snow have melted and you’re cringing because now you see all the ugly it’s been hiding.
It’s a colorless reminder of the chores ahead. But what if I told you the work in your garden does more than make your yard pretty? Before you put it off again and close your blinds to that part of the yard, you might want to rethink the way you look at that dreaded spring cleanup.
It’s good for the environment
Your green thumb also creates greener living. Aside from the obvious like growing your own food, your garden has a positive impact on the entire planet. Without gardens, there would be an increase in pollution, global warming and pests.
It’s photosynthesis 101: Plants take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen. The result is cleaner air and a healthy climate. So, yes, the beautiful gardens in your yard aren’t just for looks—they’re doing Mother Nature a solid.
Most bugs are good bugs! Scream, freak out a little, but do  not  kill them. Gardens create habitats for smaller lifeforms like toads, worms, bees and other species that thrive and reproduce in the ecosystem. We need them because they eat the pests, keep the soil healthy and help your garden stay bountiful.
It’s good for the body
Wearing short-sleeves and shorts during the spring to summer transition is like showing your toes with traces of last October’s pedicure. Yikes! We want to fix that, so what do we do? We head into the nail salon. Good news! There’s a fix for those shy bare arms and legs, too.
Get your heart pumping while you’re in the yard. If you really want to go for it, do a light jog when you’re on the move. If this is an all-day job, just walk. Don’t burn yourself out—you might want to have a dinner party later to showcase your work.
Take note of the whole-body action in everything you do, from digging to planting. Use every muscle. Root with your legs; lean with your abs and obliques and pull with your biceps and triceps.
While pulling weeds and spreading mulch, use your glutes and thighs to get down and push yourself up.  If you are able,  get off your knees and try to do a squat. Feel the burn!
Remember to be aware of every movement. If it doesn’t feel right, STOP. Every time you bend, squat, lift and pull, tighten your abs and glutes to protect your back. Drink lots of water and  listen  to your body.
It’s good for the soul
Late winter tends to  bum  me out. I need sunshine. I need a chorus of birds, colors, and a warm breeze spreading the scent of lavender. Gardening is the best pick-me-up for crawling out of hibernation.
Getting your hands dirty is therapeutic. Even I love to sink my fingers into the earth. Get in touch with your inner hippy! Put your bare feet in the grass, dirt, and mud. “Earthing” or “grounding” allows us a direct connection to the earth’s magnetic field. Nothing releases the body’s feel-good endorphins like absorbing the earth’s positive energy.
There’s a sense of pride in a beautiful garden, especially when you get to be creative. I love pulling into my driveway and looking over my beautiful yard after I’ve put in the work. I’m so proud of myself that I just sigh.  Isn’t it pretty?  I don’t know if my husband looks, but he always says yes.
I love me some Michigan, but especially this time of year. I come alive with nature and nothing connects me more than a good spring cleanup. So get out there, Michigan. Give your life a boost—nature, body, and soul!